MIC is confident of wresting the Perai and Bagan Dalam state seats in Penang from DAP, especially after the party made overtures to those in opposing camps to return to the fold.

The party’s president Dr S Subramaniam said MIC was confident of winning Bagan Dalam, and to ensure victory in both seats, it will be connecting with voters and solidifying relationship with all members to win big.

“Grassroots Indian support is key to strengthening the party,” Subramaniam said after opening the Penang MIC 70th anniversary celebrations in Penang yesterday.

Since the 2008 and 2013 general elections, Deputy Chief Minister II P Ramasamy holds the Perai seat while Bagan Dalam’s assemblyperson is A Thanasekran. Both are from DAP.

In an effort to win seats, MIC is willing to reach out and mend bridges with members who have left the party due to a bitter party presidency struggle last year.

“MIC is quite open to unite with its former foes, and some have declared their allegiance to the current leadership, and we have opened the process to take them back,” said the health minister.

Subramaniam noted that in Penang, about 20 branches have returned, with members indicating their full support for the party.

Discussing seat swaps with BN comrades

Meanwhile, Subramaniam also revealed it was in early talks with BN comrades on possible seat swap arrangements.

Saying it would be a compromise, he felt that it would be a win-win situation if parties within BN swapped seats for an optimal victory.

"We are studying that possibility but we cannot say anything for certain," Subramaniam said.

Last year, the leadership tussle between Subramaniam and former president G Palanivel flared after the Registrar of Societies (ROS) directed MIC to hold re-elections for three vice-presidents and 23 central working committee members posts.

ROS issued the order after claiming “irregularities” with the earlier election.

Palanivel refused the fresh polls, alleging that certain quarters in MIC were planning to topple him, leading the party, including all state committees, to split into two camps.

On Aug 21 last year, MIC’s re-election saw Subramaniam win the presidency uncontested.